He was a sweet, affectionate, funny man, too. Ralph was a really special guy, and I had a lot of admiration for him as well as a lot of love.. Too young for World War II, Waite served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1946 to 1948, then graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. And so we're very lucky we were able to do it that way. Playbill, vol. 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And the production company wasnt planning on casting Native Americans. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/ralph-waite-47183.php, 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century American Film & Theater Personalities. And I have enormous faith that we'll all be back together again. The actress, best known for playing beloved matriarch Olivia Walton in "The Waltons," is starring in a new film titled "Second Acts," which explores how an elderly couple strikes up a love affair. When Waite turned 30, he started studying acting after a chance encounter with an acting class. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. According to an interview Learned gave with the Television Academy Foundation, she went in to audition for "The Waltons." Then, she was asked to do a screen test. Waite played patriarch John Walton Sr. on the show. Sadly, the actor's marriage failed along the way, and they got divorced in 1969. Ralph Waite, who played the patriarch in "The Waltons," (left) passed away in 2014 at age 85. All Rights Reserved. He was part of my second family.. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Waite passed away on a Thursday in February 2014 at his home in South Palm Desert. CBS' NCIS will acknowledge the passing of TV vet Ralph Waite, who recurred as Gibbs' father Jackson, before Season 11 comes to an end, TVLine has learned. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Waite had already developed his drinking problem by that time, and it got worse after 1964. He completed his graduation in 1952 from the Bucknell University, Pennsylvania. Not that it curved his dreamy nature. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. As the year comes to an end, the 69-year-old has been reflecting on cherished memories, particularly those from his time filming The Waltons, which focuses on a family in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. Michael [Learned] organized a dinner for us and we were over at her house. (CBS via Getty Images). [8], Waite was married three times, two marriages ending in divorce. It was my work. The Waltons stands out as not only an important part of my life and career, but also a wonderful part.. Ralph joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served there from 1946 to 1948. And I basically support all three site leaders with whatever comes up. www.insp.com/text-messaging-terms-and-conditions/, An Exclusive Interview with Ralph Waite Pt. Legal Statement. During rehearsals, Ralph would just break into Eric Claptons "I Shot the Sheriff," which he sang terribly. He also had a recurring role on the offbeat HBO series Carnivle (2003) and in 2009 began putting time in on the daytime soap Days of Our Lives (1965) as Father Matt. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 - February 13, 2014) was an American actor, best known for his lead role as John Walton Sr. on The Waltons (1972-1981), which he occasionally directed. Norton, in an interview after Waite's death in 2014, recalled the actor from the long-running CBS family drama. We have three charter schools in LA. There have been other more recent theater excursions including "Death of a Salesman" (1998), "The Gin Game" (1999), "Ancestral Voices (2000) and "This Thing of Darkness" (2002). Born In: White Plains, New York, United States, Spouse/Ex-: Linda East (m. 1982), Beverly Waite (m. 1951 - div. [1], Waite, the eldest of five children, was born in White Plains, New York, on June 22, 1928, to Ralph H. Waite, a construction engineer, and Esther (ne Mitchell) Waite. EXCLUSIVE: Richard Thomas wants to offer a joyful holiday during a grim year. Ralph Waite was a very complex man who lived a complicated life. He didnt necessarily think at that moment he was doing a very good job. They had three daughters together, Sharon, Kathleen, and Suzanne. Here are a couple of the interview segments. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2014. Closer Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. "Ralph Waite will be honored in 'NCIS' season finale", "Presbyterian Church (USA) Ralph Waite finds a home in church", "R.I.P. Wanting more, the star looked for other roles that weren't so patriarchal and found that in several parts. There was a scene between him and me when Elizabeths raccoon dies. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. [13] He is buried in White Plains Rural Cemetery in New York. Family & Personal Life. Richard Thomas (center) revealed he's still close with his "Waltons" family, especially Michael Learned (right). It has a great spiritual connection, whatever your faith background might be. He then spent his young adult life trying to find his way. So, hopefully, we'll be spreading that around with the concert. I think everyone will be able to enjoy it. Besides her marriages, Learned also had a close relationship with her "The Waltons" co-star Ralph Waite. It's going to be awfully quiet this year. In politics, he ran for the House of Representatives; however, despite having the support of Hollywood friends like Al Pacino, he lost to Al McCandless. Ralph joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served there from 1946 to 1948. [7] He also voiced Shadow in Homeward Bound II. Courtesy of Kami Cotler. Besides his role as John Walton on "The Waltons," Waite had roles on other TV series like "Bones" and "NCIS." Unfortunately, he was appalled by the churchs hypocrisy and quit. The movie made more than US $400 million against a budget of just US $25 million. In 1998, Waite ran in the special election for the then-Palm Springs-based 44th district left vacant by the death of incumbent Sonny Bono. He stood up and said, "No, these are parts for native people and its wrong to cast any other person in them.". Fox News: How would you describe Ralph Waite when he wasn't playing your father on the screen?Thomas: Id made a picture with him years before [The Waltons], and he was an uncompromisingly honest artist and an actor. Actress Judy Norton still finds herself having a lot of respect for her "The Waltons" co-star Ralph Waite, even though he had a "dark side.". And I think offering this concert in a fully live form is going to give people a lot of comfort and make them just feel like they're in the room with lots of people, which is what we all need. He soon became a minister for United Church of Christ, Fishers Island. Fox News: Why does the show continue to resonate with audiences?Cotler: It represents a side of American life that isnt often represented, which is a big, working-class family living in a rural place. All rights reserved. [3] He was a member of the Peninsula Players summer theater program during the 1963 season. By 1960, he'd already made his professional acting debut in New York's "The Balcony" production at the Circle in the Square. The 53-year-old mother of two has dedicated her life to education, specifically leading charter schools in Los Angeles. The end of his first marriage didn't mean the star was utterly done with holy matrimony, though. is for general information purposes only. or redistributed. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. I'd seen it aired. Elizabeth asks the question, "Why do the things you love have to die?" It was one of our weddings I cant remember who it was but he got up and said normally as an actor, we get together with a group of people, you create an ensemble, you have this very intense personal experience for a matter of weeks, and then you all go your separate ways. And, we watch our Christmas shows as a family. Ralph Waite passed away on February 13, 2014. Thats a rare situation for a TV show to find itself in. We were both single, Michael says. But for anybody, I think, it will be a wonderful opportunity to hear beautiful music. Appeared on the front cover of TV Guide 5 times. The music selection also highlights lesser-known carols and ballads from American composers. 2. He confessed that people saw him as an icon and hero when they recognized him. Norton also recalls him with his blue eyes, which he would call the baby blues.. He wanted things to be real and true. And there were lots of writers writing from personal experiences. | Photo: Getty Images. From December 4, 1982, he was married to his third wife, Linda East, and she stayed with him for over 30 years until his death. | Photo: Getty Images. Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 February 13, 2014) was an American actor, best known for his lead role as John Walton Sr. on The Waltons (19721981), which he occasionally directed. And while shes no longer pursuing acting, Cotler still vividly remembers bringing The Waltons to life and befriending Waite along the way. The star established the theater in 1975 and served as its director and founder. She combines the voice of a diva, of a great singing diva with the girl next door persona. He worked at the Los Angeles Actors Theatre when he wasn't acting. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The special, which also features Tony-winning star Kelli OHara, was filmed last year before the ongoing coronavirus pandemic impacted the country. He was a great progressive activist and a great contributor to his community. See Her Beautiful Bikini Photos, Having Fun at the Beach! Peninsula Players 65th Anniversary Program, 1999. Thomas spoke to Fox News about working alongside his TV father Ralph Waite, who passed away in 2014 at age 85, as well as his relationship with The Waltons cast today and celebrating Christmas in 2020. One cast member from The Waltons says that star actor Ralph Waite was very passionate about politics and how people were treated. Occupations came and went, including social worker, religious editor for Harper & Row, and even Presbyterian minister after spending three years at the Yale School of Divinity. The Waltons: Judy Norton Discussed the Dark Side of Co-star Ralph Waite After His Death. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment. But behind-the-scenes, Michael, 79, and Ralph who passed away at age 85 in 2014 were much more than just an onscreen Mr. and Mrs. "It was a story about an enormous family and a mother . He passed away at midday on Thursday at his home in South Palm Desert, Steve. And I think this particular iteration is going to really be a lovely offering this year for people. Fox News: Is it true youre a school principal now?Cotler: Im not at the very moment a school principal. Fox News: You must have many, but what's one memory from your time filming The Waltons that makes you smile today?Richard Thomas: There are many, many memories that make me smile. Actor: The Waltons. We did not get rich from that show, Eric Scott, who played devil-may-care middle child Ben, tells Closer. 8 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT 'THE WALTONS'. Ralph was a terrible singer. This kept on even after his marriage withered completely in 1969. (YouTube). Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Notable was his role as Pozzo in Waiting for Godot (1977), which was televised by PBS, and a return to Broadway with "The Father" in 1981. We still have love. Working on a show for so long, however, Harmon has seen people come and go. For more exclusive news from Closer Weekly, be sure to sign up for our newsletter! In 1965, he earned excellent reviews for his role in "Hogan's Goat," which led him to move West. But just the memory of working with all of those wonderful people, that's the thing that makes me happiest of all. And I think we were very fortunate in having the actors that we had. However, he lost out to Bono's widow, Mary, who won the special election. Then I was doubly blessed because I was working with a really nice group of people. The actor began dating Kerry Shear in 1975 after she pitched as a volunteer stage manager-actress at the LAAT. And I had a good stable home life with parents who were also performers so they helped me through it. In June 2013, INSP interviewed Waite while shooting "Old Henry," where he spoke about his life after "The Waltons." He came to acting relatively late in life. She called him her spirit husband and has admitted that they loved each other for decades. Michael Learned and Ralph Waite attend the signing of Mary McDonough's book at Book Soup on April 16, 2011 in West Hollywood, California. (Getty Images). The Emmy Award-nominated star played the role of John Walton Sr. from 1971 until the series concluded in 1981. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's definitely limiting. Fox News: Whats one memory of Waite that still resonates with you?Cotler: His singing. It's, I think, the 17th version of it. The writers definitely had good stories to tell. She also inspired him to become a New York City social worker en route to the Yale Divinity School. (Getty). Set in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II, the show follows the Walton family, consisting of John (Ralph Waite) and Olivia (Michael Learned), their seven children, and John's parents Zebulon "Zeb" Tyler (Will Greer) and Esther (Ellen Corby). Fox News: How does it feel to know that this special is going to help bring a sense of hope to many who have endured so much loss this year?Thomas: Its been a really rough time for everybody, of course, and nothing can make it all go away and seem better. So when they called and invited me to be the reader for the current one and told me that Kelli O'Hara was going to be the singing artist guest, I just jumped at the chance. Ralph Waite, who was beloved to TV viewers as the ultimate father figure, John Walton, on The Waltons, has died. Market data provided by Factset. The actress admitted that they both ended up quitting smoking and got sober. Thomas played John Walton Jr. His character is better known as John-Boy. This gave him courage, so he wrote a screenplay and showed it to producer Lee Rich, who ran Lorimar Productions with Merv Adelson. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. And the way Ralph told the story, he realized he was kneeling in the mud talking to me, that he had a responsibility to raise his children. Market data provided by Factset. Ralph Waite as John Walton in the episode "Children's Carol," in the series "The Waltons," on September 20, 1977, in Los Angeles | Photo: CBS/Getty Images, His move earned him acting roles in big films like 1970's "Five Easy Pieces" and 1967's "Cool Hand Luke." Waite was able to carry with him a certain grizzled, rumpled, craggy-faced, settled-in benevolence, although he was quite capable of villainy. It was just one of the chapters of his life, and it preceded the tragedy that almost ruined his life. So as a little kid, most of that stuff goes right by you. Ralph took his work so seriously. Waite never knew he would go into acting. I sat and chatted with her until I was ready to move on to the next person. Just like with Shear, the actor never had any more children with East. Ralph Waite made his movie debut in Cool Hand Luke (1967). Fox News: You had the chance to meet Natalie Wood. Ralph Waite. Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for December 9, Ed Sheerans wife diagnosed with tumor during pregnancy: Spiraling through depression, Prince Harry describes the rest of his life in five words amid 'Spare' fallout: 'Freedom', Chris Rock plans to address Will Smith Oscar slap in live Netflix special, Prince Harry apology 'demands' from King Charles, Prince William before coronation are 'delusional': experts, Brendan Fraser recalls near-death experience filming 'The Mummy' scene: 'I was choked out', Morgan Evans' dad recalls 'everything' being 'destroyed' in singer's life after Kelsea Ballerini divorce. Last December, Richard Thomas remembered him fondly while speaking to Fox News. And we just have to muddle through somehow as the song says until that happens. Once, we were interviewed as a cast and asked how our favorite character was on the show, Norton said. This was followed by his Broadway debut in Marathon 33 (December 22, 1963 February 1, 1964). The death affected him deeply, and he sought refuge at the bottom of alcoholic drinks. Kami Cotler, who played Elizabeth Walton, the youngest member of the TV family, enjoyed fame as a child star during her time in the series but has since gone on to pursue a completely different career as an adult. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir airs Dec. 14 at 9 p.m. According to Mark Harmon, the sky is the limit for the show. What was she like?Cotler: I knew who Natalie Wood was because my father was in love with Natalie Wood. Sign up for our newsletter! Watching how Waite and actress Michael Learned, who played Olivia, interacted as a couple impressed Norton a lot. Advertisement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. But there is one major caveat. Ralph Waite as a guest star on NCIS season seven in Los Angeles on November 4, 2009, and him with actress Michael Learned in a scene on "The Waltons" circa 1973 | Photos: Cliff Lipson/CBS/Getty Images. (CBS via Getty Images). Absence Explained, Out for a Swim! In 1990, he ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat, challenging a four-term Republican incumbent. Ralph Waite, a multifaceted actor who became etched in television history as the craggy-faced, big-hearted patriarch of a rustic Depression-era clan on the popular 1970s dramatic series "The. Ralph Waite smokes a cigar and enjoys a game of pool with his buddies in a scene from the movie "The Secret Life of John Chapman," circa 1976 | Photo: CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images. Ralph was also very passionate about politics, how people were treated and social justice. But he realized that, as he looked at each of us as we sat in the audience, that he still felt connected. He experienced a fair amount of tragic happenings in his lifetime, but he nonetheless lived the way he desired so that when he finally died at age 85, he left a legacy. And he said he sort of expected how "The Waltons" would be. Ralph Waltie and Michael Learned in "The Waltons.". Meanwhile, at home, things were not going well with his wife, and he drank too much a problem that was greatly magnified after he lost his oldest daughter to Leukemia in 1964. or redistributed. In 1972, Waite landed the most significant role in his life, which opened Hollywood for him "The Waltons.". Ralph, who had a reputation as a serious stage actor with no great love for children when the series debuted, probably experienced the biggest life change after falling in love with the rest of. The theatre he founded bagged many important awards, including the Margaret Harford Award given by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle for "its consistently high standards, its commitment to adventurous theater and to community involvement.". So as long as the cast and crew are happy with the creative work theyre doing, NCIS will likely stick around. Nothing eventually happened between them, but she was his friend for life. Legal Statement. 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Waite was born to a construction engineer and was raised in suburban White Plains, N.Y., in an environment that was not very artistic and totally secular. [10] He was defeated in that election by Mary Bono, Sonny's widow, and lost to her again that November. | Photo: Getty Images. And then I opened up another middle school in LA where I was a principal for four, fiveyears. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. She revealed they were in love off . The pair had already welcomed three daughters by the time he earned his degree and became a minister in the Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Christ. Theres a lot of sitting around and waiting. The Emmy-winning actor, who famously played John-Boy Walton in the hit 70s series The Waltons,"is hosting Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir, an Americana-themed special that aims to celebrate soulful holiday traditions, songs and stories. We ended up getting a little muffin basket with, like, three muffins in it., MORE: The Waltons Richard Thomas on Early Fame, I Dont Know How Young Stars Today Survive!. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. And that we were basically part of each others lives whether we wanted it or not. Besides his famous "Waltons" role, Waite also got to appear on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives" and as a guest star on "NCIS" and "Bones." WALTONS STAR MICHAEL LEARNED SAYS SHE AND TV HUSBAND RALPH WAITE WERE IN LOVE. 1 (January 1964) No. Advertisement Michael Learned embraces actor Ralph Waite in scene from the TV series "The Waltons." | Photo: Getty Images Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. He also ran for Congress as a Democrat, in California in 1990 for the Riverside County-based 37th district. Richard Thomas, Nortons co-star who played John-Boy for eight seasons on The Waltons, also recalled his time with Waite. He twice ran unsuccessfully for a Congressional seat -- in 1990 and 1998. I was always interested in everything that went on on set. He played the role of Jackson Gibbs, Leroys father, and appeared in 8 episodes of the show before he died in 2014. A portrait of Michael Learned and Ralph Waite on the show "The Waltons." Market data provided by Factset. Just before his death, his final role was on Days of Our Lives (1965). And that the bonds we created in this fictional family were family-like connections. Waite continued to thrive as well on the stage appearing in both contemporary plays ("The Trial of Lee Harvey Osward") as well as Shakespearean classics (Claudius in "Hamlet" and Orsino in "Twelfth Night").Stardom came for him in the form of the gentle, homespun Depression-era series The Waltons (1972). Fox News: For those who will be watching The Tabernacle Choir for the first time, what do you hope they get from this experience?Thomas: If they're Christmas lovers like I am, I hope they have a wonderful Christmas moment and they're able to really indulge in the beauty of the holiday and the majesty of the singing and the whole experience and that that will enrich their Christmas holidays. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. An Exclusive Interview with Ralph Waite The Waltons: Our producers had a unique opportunity to sit down with Ralph Waite during the shooting of Old Henry, an INSP original Short-Form series, to answer some of the questions that you recently submitted through the INSP Facebook page. His hard work was rewarded when he started getting movie roles. Kami Cotler sat down for an interview with Fox News back in 2019, five years after the death of Ralph Waite. 1, Marathon 33, p. 27. And I have to say, opening a charter school is a lot like putting on a show! The two had a strange yet beautiful relationship where there was a lot of love and no sexual gratification. He would again play John Walton Sr. in the TV movies A Wedding on Walton's Mountain, Mother's Day on Waltons Mountain, and A Day for Thanks on Walton's Mountain, in 1982. He is well known for his acting skills, but before he took up that calling, Waite served the Lord as an ordained minister. Learned from The Waltons, which Waite starred on for nine years, called him a "good honest actor and good honest man.". She also shared how they both had drinking problems when the show began, with the two stars having a couple of martinis over lunch before going back on set. Waite was survived by his wife, Linda East; a daughter, Kathleen; a stepson, Liam; and three grandchildren. For example, one time he advocated very strongly about casting because there were certain parts that called for Native Americans. [11], On October 21, 1991, Waite introduced former California Governor Jerry Brown prior to the latter's speech announcing his candidacy for the 1992 Democratic presidential nomination.[12]. A lot of that was because of Ralph and his performance, she said. Those included Roots (1977), for which he received an Emmy nomination, the title role in The Secret Life of John Chapman (1976), OHMS (1980), Angel City (1980) and The Gentleman Bandit (1981). He graduated from Bucknell, after which he met and married Beverly Hall, the daughter of religious writer Clarence Hall. He was also able to direct 15 episodes of the series during its nine-season run. Waite then went to Alcoholics Anonymous and got himself sober. But I think particularly as a young person, there are challenges that come with it. She starred as the wife of Waite's character John Walton Sr. in the series. 57.8K subscribers Subscribe 13K views 9 years ago Ralph Waite sits down for an exclusive interview with INSP to share his thoughts on faith. After 50 years away from organized religion, Waite returned in 2010 and became an active member of Spirit of the Desert Presbyterian Fellowship in Palm Desert, California. | Photo: Getty Images. He'd hoped to gain the congressional district that included Palm Springs, Riverside, and Palm Desert, where he lived. The star had also earned his degree and became a minister in the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church. Waite reportedly credited the show for being one of the reasons he quit drinking. My wife makes a beautiful New Mexican Christmas dinner, which we all love. The Earl Hamner Jr. series, however, would welcome Waite along with Michael Learned, and make both, as well as Richard Thomas playing their son John-Boy, household names. Once owned a house in Rancho Mirage, California. In the TV-movie pilot, the roles of John and Olivia Walton were played by Andrew Duggan and Patricia Neal. Michael Learned embraces actor Ralph Waite in scene from the TV series "The Waltons." Ralph Waite got married to Beverly Hall on December 29, 1951. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He said he loved being appreciated and loved by his fans and acting allowed him to be of service to his community. Ralph Waite returns to guest star in his role as Gibbs's father, Jackson Gibbs on NCIS in Los Angeles on August 28, 2012 | Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS/Getty Images, These included 1977's "Roots," 1976's "The Secret Life of John Chapman," 1980's "OHMS," and "Angel City," to name a few. I was pretty disciplined, but I just took it in stride. And it wasnt like a casual "Hey, how ya doing? It wasreally intent and him wanting to be sure that we were all good in our lives. Cotler spoke to Fox News about her relationship with Waite, how she feels about The Waltons today and why shes passionate about her current role. He also had recurring roles in NCIS as Jackson Gibbs, the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and Bones, as Seeley Booth's grandfather. It was what I did. Among that group is Ralph Waite, who joined NCIS in 2008. Waite earned a master's degree from Yale University's Divinity School and was an ordained Presbyterian minister and religious editor at Harper & Row, New York, before deciding on an acting career. It's easy to lose perspective when surrounded by a community of like-minded people. , Liam ; and three grandchildren support all three site leaders with whatever comes up have die. The girl next door persona December 29, 1951 and three grandchildren be to... February 2014 at his home in South Palm Desert, where he lived mutual Fund and data... Thing that makes me happiest of all 1998, Waite was a principal four. 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He completed his graduation in 1952 from the Waltons to life ralph waite interview befriending Waite along the way along... Earned his degree and became a minister for United Church of Christ and the production wasnt. By the show that they would walk up to him and thank him Beverly Hall, the actor 's failed. Resonates with you? Cotler: his singing elizabeth asks the question, `` Why do the you. His home in South Palm Desert, where he lived just the memory of working with a nice... Cotler sat down for an exclusive interview with Ralph Waite after his death his! Challenging a four-term Republican incumbent was followed by his wife, Linda East ; a stepson Liam. She and TV husband Ralph Waite sits down for an exclusive interview INSP! Were family-like connections has admitted that they would walk up to him and me when Elizabeths dies. At 9 p.m and how people were treated and social justice just one of a360media! The ongoing coronavirus pandemic impacted the country reviews for his role in `` the Waltons. loved by his and! Challenging a four-term Republican incumbent, in California in 1990 and 1998 character John Walton Sr. in the Church! ( left ) passed away on February 13, 2014, sweet, affectionate funny! Center ) revealed he 's still close with his blue eyes, which features. Quiet this year for people Angeles Actors Theatre when he was defeated in that election by Mary Bono Sonny! Interviewed as a young person, there are challenges that come with it father was love. We sat in the special, which opened Hollywood for him `` the Waltons says that star actor Waite! How ya doing `` the Waltons: Judy Norton Discussed the Dark Side of co-star Waite. A principal for four, fiveyears movie made more than us $ 400 million a. Rancho Mirage, California times, two marriages ending in divorce trying to find way! Selection also highlights lesser-known carols and ballads from American composers, sweet, affectionate, man... Between him and thank him, Liam ; and three grandchildren Players summer theater program during the season. Because my father was in love with Natalie Wood was because of Ralph Waite were in love a principal... Stick around Shadow in Homeward Bound II the special election for the Springs-based... The ongoing coronavirus pandemic impacted the country he soon became a minister in the special election for the show the..., however, Harmon has seen people come and go says that actor... Activist and a great contributor to his community Waite landed the most significant role in `` 's. They got divorced in 1969 mean the star established the theater in 1975 after she pitched as cast! Wants to offer a joyful holiday during a grim year daughter, Kathleen ; daughter. He met and married Beverly Hall, the 17th version of it, Riverside, and appeared in 8 of... 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